The Goree All-Girl String Band (NYMF)

Part of the New York Musical Festival: The year is 1938 and The Goree All-Girl String Band is the biggest new radio sensation in Texas. They also happen to be convicted criminals. More…

The six band members teach themselves music from behind bars and earn a slot on a prison-based radio program. Through sisterhood, determination, and a little bit of luck, these women work (and play) together to fiddle their way to freedom. Inspired by a true story, 'The Goree All-Girl String Band' is a tale of redemption that features an ensemble of actor-musicians performing a brand-new country score. An official selection of the 2017 New York Musical Festival Next Link Project.

"One of the most interesting shows to hit NYMF in a long time...The cast, for what they had to do in such a short time, was stellar...Bradley’s book and lyrics are powerful, though the first act could use some tightening...Because this story is so interesting we actually want to know even more about these characters...The delightful country score is soulful with strains of bluegrass...Mark my words this show will have a life beyond NYMF. Catch this if you can!"
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"One of NYMF's best offerings...A sweet story of female friendship, the reclamation of agency, and the healing power of music—themes that in Bradley's book can sometimes drift into the formulaic, but in their unique context and with clear direction by Monroe, remain compelling. It's the story that hooks you, but it's the music that keeps you there...It's all a pretty joyful platform for the cast's musicianship...On the whole, 'Goree' seems to have a bright future ahead."
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"If Act One is emotionally pent up, Act Two breaks out beyond all expectation...Nine women on stage equates to sweet harmonies aplenty...There is some work to be done. Mozelle needs a first-act number of her own, and the authors need to find a way to bring consequence to the few dark moments that shadow the women. But the first half of the second act arrives fully formed with four consecutive killer numbers...It’s a production that deserves a longer run."
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"A musical so tunefully entertaining that one could make allowances for such an outlandish plot. But we don’t have to: 'Goree' is based on a true story...The misery is played down. The music is what matters...There are faint and feint stabs here and there at character development and complications...Bradley’s book and lyrics play second fiddle to the fiddles...These musical numbers are so damn fun that, while 'Goree' may have its flaws, like the governor of Texas, I pardon them."
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“Successfully couches a message about redemption through music in a consistently funny play…It is ultimately the humanity of these women ‘who've done bad’ that emerges from Bradley's well-plotted book and the fine acting of ‘Goree's’ ensemble…The songs in Act II are stronger than those in the first act…The last few songs are anti-climactic…But the ensemble finale is grand, and the ‘The Goree All-Girl String Band’ ends on a high note."
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"The show is frustrating, though, because for all the lovely vocal harmonies of the prisoners, and for all the sweet sounds of their string instruments (cello, fiddle, bass, banjo, guitar), the songs are largely unmemorable, the lyrics and dialogue larded with clichés. And while this cast is abundantly talented, the characters are so thinly written and the plot so meandering that it’s hard to feel invested."
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See it if
you enjoy country music and an inspiring plot based on true story of female prison inmates who formed a band.

Don't see it if
you do not like country western music.

Also
I really enjoyed the wonderful instrumental arrangements and talented cast member who played and sang very well. The use of the instruments set the mood of the songs, many of which were very good.... Read moreRead less

See it if
you like C-W music. GASB has many terrific songs, well performed. True story plot fascinates. Great talent on stage. Better than Bright Star

Don't see it if
you dislike ALL musicals, but GASB is special. It needs trimming. Too many solos; loses focus. Big Act II song for lead fizzles.

Also
GASB is a wonderful show and this production is stellar. So much talent on the stage!! I was actually disappointed when the lights came up for intermission. Act II drags a bit. Some numbers should be cut (solos for non-leads) which slow the pace. The big-moment number for Mozelle was disappointing--it didn't play to her voice's strength and the lyric wasn't as effective as others. But, overall, this is an impressive work.... Read moreRead less